July 11, 2025 -- The UK’s Integrated Quantum Networks (IQN) Hub announces today that it will be partnering with Colt Technology Services (Colt), the global digital infrastructure company.  The IQN Hub is  a £20m+ R&D initiative which connects academia, government and industry to advance quantum-secure communications technologies. Joining a collaboration of 15 leading British Universities and National Laboratories, plus nearly 50 other companies from across the telecommunications, quantum technology, cybersecurity, digital services and space sectors, Colt will contribute its leading expertise in global digital infrastructure and connectivity services to the Hub’s research programme.

The new partnership will deepen collaboration between Colt and the UK’s leading quantum communications researchers on addressing the security and networking challenges posed by a post-quantum future. The fast-approaching realisation of a functional, fault-tolerant quantum computer will dramatically alter the global cybersecurity landscape, essentially rendering classical cryptographic security methods obsolete. This partnership will focus on building and demonstrating new and cutting-edge quantum-secure communications methods which can be deployed, at scale, throughout existing networks. This will support the ‘defence-in-depth’ strategy adopted by Colt as part of their journey towards providing fully quantum-safe data services across their global network.

The Integrated Quantum Networks Hub is one of five flagship quantum technology Hubs announced under the National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP), a £2.5 billion investment over the next 10 years aiming to position the UK as a world-leading quantum-enabled economy by 2035.

Prof. Gerald Buller, IQN Hub Director said “We are thrilled to welcome Colt as a new partner in the Integrated Quantum Networks Hub. Working closely with industry is essential if the Hub is to achieve its ambitious plans to establish a world-leading quantum network infrastructure here in the UK. Colt’s global infrastructure base, exceptional expertise in optical networks, and commitment to becoming an industry leader in quantum-secure communications all bring huge strengths to our programme. We are very excited to see what we can deliver together through this new partnership.”

Buddy Bayer, Chief Operating Officer, Colt Technology Services said, “Collaboration is critical for the UK is to fulfil its ambition of becoming a quantum-enabled economy in the near future. The IQN Hub is a launchpad for this goal, bringing together industry, government, and academia to share the talent, tools, and insights that will fast-track innovation and secure the UK’s position as a quantum leader on the global stage. We’re excited to be part of the IQN Hub and look forward to working together to accelerate progress”.